This year the cotton crop size in
Pakistan is estimated above 11 million bales. While it offers the opportunity to improve
capacity utilization of spinning units it has also prompted declining trend in cotton
prices. This trend is a source of concern. The existing spinning capacity is capable of
consuming even 11 million bales if the spinners wish to do so.. The bumper cotton crop
provide impetus to GDP growth and exports and efforts should be made to exploit the
opportunity.

Leaving aside current year's situation when no export surplus of sugar is
available, Pakistan has gained the export market. That hard earned status needed to be
maintained by remaining active in the export market . Pakistan's sugar industry has the
potential to raise sugar production to around 7-8 milion Tonnes, experts say.

The real estate slump has taken a heavy toll on
the construction activities in the country, particularly in Karachi. Despite a 15-25 per
cent decline in real estate prices there are hardly any buyer as the manipulated
demand and manipulated supply takes a nose dive. PAGE highlights the reason and the
necessary changes to meet the changing socio-economic realities.

Sea food exports from Pakistan has always
remain highly-prone to the increasing demands of the EU and US about quality, hygiene and
environment. The value of sea food exports during the first four months of the current
fiscal indicates that total exports this year would surpass that of last years and
the measures taken to meet the requirements of the international markets.